Two Kind Construction Workers Hand out Umbrellas to Passerbys Outside ICA Building During a Rainy Day

The COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore has proven three things:

• that living without bubble tea for more than 24 hours is in fact possible
• that some people really don’t like wearing masks
• that we should treat our migrant workers way better than we do

Cramped living conditions and communal bathroom facilities, among other things, have facilitated transmission of the coronavirus in worker dormitories. Yet, some netizens still blamed them for the spike in coronavirus cases last year.

What we often forget is that these are the men who build the homes we take refuge in, the offices where we earn our wages, and the malls where we purchase luxurious goods.

And despite the way some residents here treat them, they’re always willing to lend a helping hand.

Two Kind Construction Workers Hand out Umbrellas to Passerbys Outside ICA Building During a Rainy Day

Usually, when someone publishes a post on the Facebook group Complaint Singapore, it’s to, well, complain about something.

But on Tuesday (30 March), one netizen who posted on the group had only positive things to say about something he witnessed that day.

According to his post, the man was passing by an unsheltered area between the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) building and a bridge that goes across the Rochor River.

It was raining that day, and he noticed that two construction workers were handing out umbrellas to those passing by.

“A passer-by will collect the umbrella from either one of them depending on which direction they are heading, and then return it to the other after crossing the rainy path”, the man explained. “The umbrellas then get recycled.”

The man praised the workers for their kind deed.

“I thought this is quite clever and practical, no need for unnecessary and expensive technology. +1 to the workers!”

Migrant Worker Helps Elderly Women Cross Road

Earlier this month, another migrant worker was lauded for his simple act of kindness.

On 5 March, a touching video was shared by non-profit organisation (NGO) It’s Raining Raincoats on its Facebook page.

It showed a migrant worker helping an elderly woman cross a road.

“We are not surprised at all when we see our migrant brothers being caring and compassionate, no matter what hardships they themselves may be facing”, the NGO said.

Netizens applauded the migrant worker’s caring act, and added that they’ve witnessed such sightings numerous times.

One woman said that when she was heavily pregnant, it was usually migrant workers who would give up their seat for her.

While the condition of their lodgings will slowly be improved, the very least we could do for these workers is treat them with dignity and respect, and offer a smile here and there.

Featured Image: Facebook (Cygig)